Stupid to do IUI before an HSG test?

GreenEyedGal

I'm sorry I'm being a PW tonight. Last one, promise! Anyway my doc told me yesterday that if this cycle of TI doesn't work, we're moving onto IUI, but not before having a SA and HSG test done. When I was TTC #1, I asked (ok, begged) if we could do 1-2 cycles before the test. Mainly because we'd be paying OOP and let's face it, I'm terrified of the pain, even if it's only for a few seconds. I can barely handle a pap smear! She agreed and thankfully, I got KU on cycle #1.

Now that we're thinking about the possibility of an IUI, I know it's the smarter step to do the test first BUT I'm once again terrified of the test and the bill afterwards. I'm no doctor but my gut tells me my tubes are clear, because of the fact that I got pregnant "so quickly" with my son and I got pregnant (on my own) 4 months ago. I'm going to ask her on Monday if we can do one IUI before the test. I'm sure she'll say no and I'll understand but I'll be crushed and scared $hitless. Is this a dumb thing to ask of? Am I being unreasonable?

swgal

I wouldn't say it is stupid to not do one, but I do think it is beneficial to get one done. There are studies that say they increase pregnancy rates for a few months after since they 'clean out the cobwebs'.  So even if you don't have a blocked tube you may benefit from clearing them out.  I would say if it works it is certainly worth the few seconds of pain.  I don't know about the cost since mine was covered.  Good luck on your decision.

 

Radler

I agree with the previous poster.

Also, are you sure the HSG is not covered? Since it's not fertility treatment per se, it may be covered. Definitely worth checking. My insurance did not cover fertility treatment but did cover a diagnostic laparoscopy (to figure out why I wasn't getting pregnant).

etoyama

I actually think it could be a bit dangerous to do an IUI before getting an HSG. If you have tubal issues/blockages then your chance of an ectopic is greatly increased. Not worth the risk, IMO. ETA: Just because you got pregnant quickly once before doesn't mean you havent developed an issue since then. I just wouldn't risk it personally, but that's just my two cents!

GreenEyedGal

Thanks girls for your input. I'll take your advice and put it to good use. I need to stop being a wimp and just do it-if I can birth a baby, surely I can handle the test, right? Off to check out my benefits online insurance company to see about coverage...

AvaLikeLava

GreenEyedGal:

Thanks girls for your input. I'll take your advice and put it to good use. I need to stop being a wimp and just do it-if I can birth a baby, surely I can handle the test, right? Off to check out my benefits online insurance company to see about coverage...

If you can birth a baby you can DEFINITELY do this test. While it sucks, pain of labor is SO much worse. You'll get through it. We've all lived to tell the tale  

dusk42

GreenEyedGal:

Thanks girls for your input. I'll take your advice and put it to good use. I need to stop being a wimp and just do it-if I can birth a baby, surely I can handle the test, right? Off to check out my benefits online insurance company to see about coverage...

I didn't have one pre-pregnancy, but I had one about two months ago, and it was not painful at all (they did have me take ibuprofen first).  The RE said that it is generally much easier if you have previously given birth.  

Also, although my tubes were clear, there was a filling defect and they thought I had a fibroid that was distorting the shape of my uterus (and potentially caused my recent miscarriage).  They followed up with a saline ultrasound and apparently the filling defect was an artifact and not a fibroid (maybe because my uterus apparently contracts a lot when they insert the dye/saline), so I didn't have to have surgery, but the HSG can pick up some other issues in addition to blocked tubes.     

Good luck!